Man United must reconsider Leny Yoro decision after French media praise
Man United should be planning to keep Leny Yoro past the January window after he was praised for his France debut against Belgium.
Yoro has been linked away from United after struggling to make his mark on Michael Carrick's starting eleven.
The 20-year-old has struggled to truly prove himself at Old Trafford since joining for around £52million from Lille in 2024.
Yoro is yet to start a Premier League game this season, but Zinedine Zidane has recognised his potential by handing him a maiden senior France call-up for this latest round of international fixtures.
The United centre-back made a real impression on his international debut as France thrashed Belgium 4-1 on Monday night.
It is clear that he can be a real key man for Carrick this season, and United should shelve plans to let him leave for now.
Leny Yoro was key to France's win on his international debut
Yoro's only starts in club football so far in 2026-27 have been against Sabah in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
Zidane sprung a surprise by calling him up to his first Les Bleus squad last month, with the 20-year-old then sitting out of the first three Nations League fixtures.
Injuries to Ibrahima Konate and Jeremy Jacquet, as well as Dayot Upamecano's suspension, saw him drafted into the eleven for the first time against Belgium.
Yoro was key to France's victory as he had the most touches (96) of any player, completed 74 (92%) of his passes, and made more passes into the final third (18) than any other player.
He also produced more defensive contributions (11) than any of his teammates, while winning each of his four attempted ground duels and all of his five attempted aerial duels on a wholly successful debut.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that United will be open to loan offers for Yoro in January, but his performance on the big stage, and subsequent media praise, should make them change their minds.
What have French media said about Yoro vs Belgium?
Yoro clearly has bags of potential and has long been touted as a future France star after emerging as a regular for Lille at just 16 years old.
National media were gushing over him after such a strong debut, with Foot Mercato reviewing his performance by writing: "The former Lille player took advantage of the absence of Upamecano (suspended) and Jacquet (with a hamstring injury) to play, having been called up to the French squad following Konaté’s withdrawal.
"To say the least, he certainly made the most of his opportunity. Strong in one-on-one challenges, the new international was incisive in his interventions and precise in his build-up play. Although he was not involved in Belgium’s opening goal, he put in a more than solid performance."
While Eurosport said: "A commanding debut, despite a nerve-wracking first back pass that had us fearing the worst. Lukaku gave him a run for his money, but Yoro grew in confidence as the match went on with some aggressive tackles. Based on what he showed tonight, he’s earned the right to come back. In short…solid."
And Le JDD wrote: "He had to contend with the ‘buffalo’ Lukaku, against whom he fought an intense physical battle. He won nine duels, often played the ball out well and established himself as a credible alternative. That’s what you call making the most of your opportunity."